Wales can defend title - Halfpenny

Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny believes the Six Nations champions' win over France has put them back on track to defend their crown.

Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny believes the Six Nations champions' win over France has put them back on track to defend their crown.

After suffering their eighth successive Test loss, in their tournament opener against Ireland, Wales bounced back with a deserved 16-6 win over France - their first triumph over les Bleus in Paris since 2005.

Wales will now face Italy and Scotland in away matches before hosting unbeaten tournament leaders England in Cardiff on March 16.

And Halfpenny is convinced they will build on their victory over France and win all their remaining matches to retain their title.

"The confidence we will get from this win will be immense, and we can concentrate now on what we set out to do from the start, which is to retain the title," he said.

"We knew this game was key. It was my third time in Paris, and I know how difficult it is to get a win there, but the boys dug deep and had that hunger and desperation to win.

"I am really chuffed for (caretaker head coach) Rob Howley and the coaches.

"They give us everything, all the information we need, then it is up to the guys on the field to put in a performance, and that's what we did.